One of the key strategies in No Child Left Behind is to ensure that English
language learner (ELL) students meet rigorous standards. The OCR enforcement offices
are working with districts to help them develop evaluation plans to ensure that
language acquisition programs are research-based and that ELL students are meeting
performance standards. OCR monitors implementation of resolution agreements to
ensure that districts conduct effective program evaluations and measure the progress
of ELL students.

"I want to commend you for your efforts over the past three years…I
have been very gratified by the results you have gotten at [the school]. You have
eased my mind tremendously. I feel that the [English language learner] students
are being educated and supported as they have never been before… You have
done something miraculous for everyone in that school."

As a part of its April 2003 nationwide compliance initiative on misidentification
of minorities in special education, OCR also focused on ensuring that national
origin minority students are not referred for evaluation or placed in special
education programs on the basis of their limited English proficiency. Special
education programs are essential to ensure that language minority students with
disabilities receive an appropriate educational experience. However, studies have
documented discrepancies in the levels of referral and placement of ELL students
in special education. Where violations of the law are found, OCR will work with
districts to develop resolution agreements, including a technical assistance component
that emphasizes reaching out to parents of language minority students so that
they are better able to make sound educational choices concerning their children’s
schooling